The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has revealed that it has begun the process of crafting the 2022-2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy and as usual, has requested the contributions of the general public.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the call is a demonstration of Government’s responsiveness to the needs of the Ghanaian citizenry to deepen citizens’ participation in the budget process as well as implement inclusive policies.
“The Ministry has earnestly begun the process of developing the 2022-2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to be presented to Parliament by 15th November, 2021 and therefore, requests for inputs from the general public for consideration into the 2022-2025 National Budget”.
Ministry of Finance
More importantly, the Finance Ministry expresses its appreciation to the Business Associations, Recognized Professional Bodies, Financial Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Faith Based Organizations and the general public “for your invaluable contributions to the development of the National Budget over the years”.
Ministry optimistic of public cooperation
Based on previous experiences, the Ministry of Finance is hopeful that the loyal citizens;of the land will respond swiftly to this humble request to help the government harness all;opinions before presenting its budget.
But for your useful inputs to be captured in the national budget that will inure to your benefit and that of future generations to come, the Finance Ministry expects you to submit your inputs electronically to bdru@mofep.gov.gh latest by Friday, 8th October, 2021. This means you have exactly one week from today, Friday, October 1, 2021 to make your opinion counts.
Budget Preparation Guidelines
On August 11, 2021, the Finance Ministry issued the Budget Preparation Guidelines to facilitate the preparation of the 2022-2025 Budget;by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The Guidelines provides the policy direction of government, instructions on the processes and procedures as well as budget expenditure ceilings;to guide MDAs and MMDAs towards the preparation of the 2022-2025 Budget.
As such, the Finance Ministry urged Principal Account Holders, Principal Spending;Officers and members of Budget Committees to ensure strict compliance with the Guidelines. It is worth noting that the issuance of these Guidelines prior to the preparation of the Budget, is mandatory;and in accordance with Article 179 (1) of the 1992 Constitution. It is also in line with Section 20 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921); and Section 122 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
Focus of 2022 Budget
The Finance Ministry averred that the Government of Ghana recognizes the need to be at the forefront to promote;the building blocks for an inclusive and sustainable recovery post COVID-19. Hence, the focus for the 2022 budget and the medium term is to create opportunities and provide solutions towards achieving sustainable;and broad-based economic growth without harming the climate or leaving families in poverty.
“Government, therefore, will focus on revitalizing and transforming the economy”.
Ministry of Finance
The MoF further detailed that the approach is to catalyse the private sector in targeted areas to fast-track industrialization, competitive;import substitution, digitalization, export expansion and the creation of decent jobs, particularly for the youth.
Ministry of Finance further disclosed that in addition, other priority areas for 2022 and the medium;term will include: Supporting the health sector and expanding social safety nets and COVID-19 containment measures.
Further revelations show that government will also focus on “developing our infrastructure, with priority focus on roads, railway, water and sanitation, hospitals and housing”. Diversifying productivity and high-value services and Implementing bold reforms to increase revenue mobilization and the efficiency of public expenditures are also key.
Other important areas include deepening structural reforms to make the machinery of Government work better for the people and Rolling out digital technologies to improve service delivery.
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